The President of Botswana has honoured Letsile Tebogo's Paris 2024 Olympic exploits by declaring a public afternoon day off for its citizens.
The President of Botswana Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi has declared a public holiday in the country following the Olympic exploits of new speed king Letsile Tebogo at Paris 2024.
The 21-year-old speedster stunned pre-race favourite Noah Lyles to the Olympic 200m title in a blazing new African Record (AR) of 19.46s, as American Kenny Bednarek won the silver medal in 19.62s and his compatriot settled for the bronze medal in 19.70s.
22:11 - 08.08.2024
Explained: Why Noah Lyles lost Olympic 200m GOLD to Letsile Tebogo despite being the favourite to win
The US track and field have attributed Noah Lyles's Olympic 200m Gold medal loss to Letsile Tebogo to one reason which he picked up two days before the final.
With his victory, Tebogo became the first man from Africa to win an Olympic 200m title and a gold medal for his country at the Games, thus cementing his name as the greatest African sprinter to run the event in history.
In honour of his historic feat, the Botswanan President made a press release announcing a free afternoon day in the country.
“His Excellency, Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, President of the Republic of Botswana, hereby declares to the nation, that he has found it a fitting tribute to Mr. Letsile Tebogo, ‘Botswana’s Sensation’, to grant Batswana and residents an afternoon day-off, on this very day, Friday the 9th August, 2024,” the statement read.
“The decision has been duly made to recognise and honour Letsile Tebogo as the first Motswana and first African to win a Gold Medal for 200m in the history of the Olympics.
23:56 - 08.08.2024
'I'm not as arrogant or loud as Noah' - Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo trolls Lyles with 'face of athletics' bragging claim
Letsile Tebogo didn't hold back on trolling Noah Lyles after being asked who he thinks is the 'face of athletics'.
“Furthermore, the President underscores, recognises and acknowledges Letsile’s performance and achievement as markedly outstanding, and deserving of the nation to pause and celebrate him in a most unique, appropriate and responsible manner, that will be etched in the annals of the history of the Republic.”
Tebogo is now the first African sprinter in history to win a 100m medal (silver) at the world championships (acoomplished this in Budapest last year) and an Olympic gold medal in any sprint event.
21:13 - 08.08.2024
'For you mum' - Letsile Tebogo dedicates historic Olympic 200m gold to late mother who passed away in May
Letsile Tebogo had only one mission in mind at Paris 2024 Olympics - win the Olympic 200m gold medal and dedicate it to his late mum. He did both conveniently in a historic way.
He'll be gunning for another medal in the men's 4x400m event, where he'll play a vital role in the relay squad.